§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he 337W has made of preparations for the forthcoming elections in the Solomon Islands; and if he will make a statement on relations with the Solomon Islands. [15603]
§ Mr. MacShanePreparations for the elections scheduled for 5 December are being co-ordinated by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and are progressing well. International donors (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan and the EU) have contributed SI$18.2 million towards the costs of holding the elections, of which the UK has provided £60,000. Our contribution has included providing a co-ordinator to assist the Electoral Commission, deploying international peace monitors/observers, and funding an educational group to tour the country to explain voting procedures. After the election we plan to fund parliamentary workshops for the new MPs.
Bilateral relations with the Solomon Islands are good. In addition to electoral assistance, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office assistance to the Solomon Islands has included projects to strengthen the judiciary, the police, promote good governance, and protect the environment.